Pakistan’s Semi Final Hopes Hang by Thread
News Desk
Pallekele : Two-time champions England cricket team stormed into the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after edging past Pakistan national cricket team by two wickets in a tense Super Eights clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
The dramatic win — England’s second in as many Super Eights matches — made them the first team to secure a semi-final berth, consolidating their position at the top of Group 2 with four points.
Chasing 165, England rode on captain Harry Brook’s electrifying 51-ball 100, laced with 10 fours and four sixes. His counter-attacking knock proved decisive as England reached the target on the first ball of the final over despite losing eight wickets.
Will Jacks (28) and Sam Curran (16) chipped in with useful contributions to steady the chase.
Earlier, Pakistan’s decision to bat first failed to produce the desired outcome. The 2009 champions posted 164/9 in their 20 overs, with Sahibzada Farhan continuing his impressive form through a brisk 63 off 45 deliveries.
Read More:https://thepenpk.com/semifinals-final-tickets-for-icc-t20-wc-now-available/
Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman scored 25 each, while Shadab Khan provided late impetus with a quickfire 23 off 11 balls.
England’s bowling effort was led by Liam Dawson, who returned figures of 3/24 in his four overs. Adil Rashid and Jofra Archer claimed two wickets apiece to restrict Pakistan below a potentially match-winning total.
In response, Pakistan’s bowlers fought hard to defend the modest target. Shaheen Afridi stood out with 4/30, while Usman Tariq Nawaz picked up two wickets each, but Brook’s masterclass ultimately tilted the contest in England’s favour.
The defeat leaves Pakistan in a precarious position in Group 2. With their earlier Super Eights match against New Zealand washed out in Colombo, they now sit third and must rely on other results to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Pakistan need New Zealand to lose both of their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and England, in addition to securing victory over Sri Lanka themselves. If New Zealand win one of those fixtures, Pakistan would require a substantial win over Sri Lanka to surpass the Blackcaps on net run rate.
Pakistan’s final Super Eights encounter against Sri Lanka is scheduled at the same venue on Saturday, where their tournament fate will be decided.
